Author: Sam Chipman

THE HONEY MAN at the Door, Birmingham Rep

“. . . Tyrone Huggins is a joy to watch, his command of stage and audience is of the highest quality. He has a bubbling energy, rhythm and openness to his performance that makes him incredibly watchable: his “bee dance” is particularly amusing. He is also the writer of the play and you can see he has a personal connection with the work as he gets underneath the text to make his message clear. . . Learning “isn’t the same as knowing” says the Honey Man wisely, and this play packs a moral punch: or should that be “sting”. Charming in places, a reflective piece – sweet, just like honey.”

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HARVEY on tour

“When seeking an ideal topic for a play one would not immediately think of a man who befriends an invisible 6 foot tall rabbit, but that is the unlikely tale that Harvey tells. The production however was an instant hit when it opened on Broadway in 1944 and was made into a film on 1950. . . . Seasoned actor James Dreyfus is compelling as Elwood. His timing is precise; he brings a charm and tenderness to the character who chooses to be pleasant as opposed to being smart. His characterisation asks questions of the other characters and of the audience – which points to a job well done. . . “

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THE CALL OF CTHULHA at the Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

“. . .Devised, adapted and performed by Michael Sabbatton, we are introduced to Francis Wayland Thurston, who is in possession of a box that has haunted him for years. We are told the tale of Cthulu and how many before him have been destroyed by the curse that the box brings its owner. . . The descent into madness by forbidden knowledge is excellently captured by Sabberton; it makes for gripping and at times quite harrowing viewing. . . “

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PETER PAN GOES WRONG on tour

“. . . The show tells the story of Cornley Polytechnic Dramatic Society as they put on their annual Christmas production of Peter Pan. Everything that could go wrong in amateur theatre does so in this production, and to comedic effect . . . The finale to the show is perfectly riotous; again to say too much about it would be unforgivable, but it has the audience in stitches until their sides ache. The frantic pace continues from start to end. Hysterically funny: I can’t remember the last time I laughed as much . . . ”

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SONGS FROM A LEDGE at the Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

Songs From A Ledge is a new blues musical featuring original music which tells the story of the fictional blues star Maria Lynwood who is known as the ‘red queen’. . . The show is dark, witty and has heart to it. . . A bold new piece, with a clever script and score full of wistful moments. Sure, it needs some refinements to ensure it engages throughout; but the raw material makes for a compelling watch.

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